NEW TRENDS IN LEUCAENA PSYLLID RESISTANCE

The psyllid is a Latin American parasite which defoliates Leucaena,
causing widespread damage in established plantings throughout
Asia. During 1987 the Nitrogen Fixing Tree Association (NFTA)
established a Leucaena Psyllid Research Trial with cooperators
at 12 international locations, including the Waimanalo Research
Station, Hawaii. The trial evaluated psyllid resistance and fodder
yields of 13 Leucaena varieties and hybrids. Trials were evaluated
monthly for psyllid adults, nymphs, eggs and damage based on a
1-9 rating system. Fodder cuttings were taken from a 5 m row of
trees spaced 25 cm apart at 6,9, and 12 months. Although the first
year's measurements haven't been completed, initial results from
psyllid-resistant tree strains have already been received from
international trials.

A complete study summary will be published in Leucaena Research
Reports Volume 9.

Cebu, Philippines

Elevation: 300m. Precipitation: 1628 mm. Soil pH 4.8-5.2. Best
growth and psyllid resistance was observed with Lucaena strain
KX1 followed by K785, KX2, K376 and K784, which is nearly the
same order as observed in Hawaii.